Civic Sense in Public Utilities: Bengaluru Metro Launches Crackdown on Bad Etiquette; Over 57,000 Commuters Schooled for Misbehaviour
Bengaluru, February 01, 2026: While we often focus on infrastructure and speed, the “human element” remains the biggest challenge for public transit. In a move that serves as a vital lesson for civic facilities across India, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has launched a massive sensitization drive to clean up commuter behavior.
The year-long initiative, revealed in a recent media release, highlights a growing friction between public convenience and individual habits. Deploying dedicated teams of Home Guards across the Namma Metro network, the BMRCL targeted “nuisance” behaviors that degrade the travel experience for thousands.
The Data: A Wake-Up Call for Civic Sense
The findings of the drive paint a startling picture of modern commuting habits. The most common offense? Noise pollution. A staggering 57,538 commuters were caught playing loud music inside train coaches.
The drive also addressed the following infractions:
- Priority Seating: 37,038 passengers were counseled for refusing to vacate seats reserved for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
- Dining on the Go: 1,907 commuters were found eating inside the trains.
- Health Hazards: 1,677 individuals were caught chewing tobacco products.
Enforcement and Collective Responsibility
BMRCL officials have reminded the public that these aren’t just “suggestions.” Under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, causing inconvenience to co-passengers can attract formal penalties.
The message from the BMRCL is clear: a safe and pleasant journey is a shared responsibility. Simple acts, like using earphones, offering a seat to those in need, and keeping the coaches clean, are the hallmarks of a civilized city.
The Bigger Picture: A National Need for Civic Drives
The success of the Namma Metro drive raises a vital question for urban planners nationwide: should etiquette drives be a standard feature of all civic facilities?
Whether it is a metro in Delhi, a bus terminal in Mumbai, or a public garden in Hyderabad, the challenges remain the same. Promoting “shared responsibility” ensures that public investments remain clean, safe, and comfortable for everyone. Simple habits, using earphones, refraining from eating in transit, and showing courtesy to the vulnerable, are the true markers of a world-class city.
BMRCL’s appeal is a universal one: a little patience and consideration can significantly elevate the travel experience for millions.
Vineet Gupta is the Founder and Managing Editor of PuneNow, where he oversees local news delivery and explores mindful living, parenting, and personal growth. An alumnus of the University of Wales, Vineet has travelled extensively and worked across hospitality, finance, and academia. Now based in Pune, his diverse global background informs his hyper-local perspective, helping the community find meaning, balance, and connection in everyday life.
